Morphology Comparison of the Wildtype and an Annexin Mutant of Red Bread Mold, Neurospora crassa, in Minimal vogel media and saboraud dextrose agar

Abstract

The morphology of the wildtype and an annexin mutant of the red bread mold, Neurospora crassa, were examined to determine a possible function for the missing gene in the mutant. The strains were each grown in two different medias, minimal vogel media and saboraud dextrose agar. These specimens were then preserved, dried, gold-coated and examined with a Scanning Electron Microscope. The specimens grown on the minimal vogel media were noted to be less dense than the specimens grown on the nutrient-rich saboraud dextrose agar. The annexin mutant was also noted to be much denser and faster growing than the wildtype on both media. Most of the morphological structures were very similar between the two strains but there were several unidentified structures on the annexin mutant that could provide clues as to the function of the missing genes in the mutant.